Originally published in 1967, despite the controversial nature of the subject and non-cooperation from Trade Unions and employers’ organisations alike, John A. Lincoln produced the first comprehensive survey of Restrictionism.

It is his case that restrictive practices had a stranglehold on almost every trade or profession, and were swiftly paralysing our economy. Examining the menace of restrictionism, both in microscopic detail and as a whole, he reiterates the urgency of abolishing restrictive practices immediately and the immediate benefits which would result from their abolition.

Mr Lincoln’s report covers Government trade policies and tariffs: business practices and monopolies: industrial, professional and marketing restrictions. He gives a compelling history of the growth of these practices and a vivid account of their operation at the time. At once courageous, outspoken and objective, the report shows evidence of the author’s past experience as principal assistant to Lord Beveridge, whose inquiry on Voluntary Action he instigated twenty years previously.

As Lord Shawcross stresses in his Foreword, Mr Lincoln’s report is significant for our economic future and ‘must provoke controversy and thought, and as a result of thought, action.’ This is the author’s clear intention, and he hoped his report would be ‘not only a declaration of faith, but also a challenge to the people of this country.’ Today it can be read in its historical context.

John A. Lincoln was born in Cheshire in 1899. From 1919 to 1920 he was on the staff of the Organising Committee of the International Labour Conference (Washington). From 1921 to 1923 he belonged to the Ministry of Labour Intelligence Division, and from 1923 to 1927 he was at India Office, Industries and Overseas Department and Finance Department. Then a freelance journalist and for two years Political Adviser and Public Relations Consultant to National Conference of Friendly Societies. In 1947, he initiated the Voluntary Social Services Inquiry and until 1949 was one of the assessors to Lord Beveridge and secretary to the Inquiry. In 1955, he acted for the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and Firemen during the railway strike, and in 1964 Mr Lincoln was the director of the Industrial Practices Inquiry set up by the I.E.A. This report is the product of his work and embodies his recommendations.